EXPLORE BOULDER

Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir Trail

Take an easy lakeside walk around Coot Lake, watch for wildlife and continue toward Boulder Reservoir for wide-open water views and Front Range scenery.

6247 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80503

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4.6 Fred Footprints

At A Glance

Location

Boulder, Co.

Difficulty

Easy

Distance

3.2 Miles

Elevation Gain

32 Feet

Est. Time

1½–2 Hours

Route Type

Modified loop

Dogs

Leashed

Park Pass

N/A

Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir

Coot Lake and nearby Boulder Reservoir make an easygoing Front Range outing with water views, open-space trails and plenty of room to slow down. Coot Lake is a great choice for a relaxed walk, wildlife watching or a family stop, while Boulder Reservoir adds bigger views and more shoreline to explore.

Follow the mostly level paths around Coot Lake, pausing at the interpretive signs to learn about the wetlands and local birds. The surrounding open space offers wide views toward the foothills, especially on clear days or when fall color begins to show along the shoreline.

Bring water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. Please follow posted trail and wetland-closure signs, give wildlife room and pack out everything you bring along.

Fred Says

“Fall colors, mountain views and water all in one easy outing? That is hard to beat.

Coot Lake and Boulder Reservoir make a fine pair, and Zero was mighty pleased with all the new dog friends and plenty of sniff time.

Keep your eyes open for the interesting plants along the path, then enjoy the show—storm clouds over the mountains made the drive home part of the adventure too.”

Why You’ll Love This Hike

Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir Trail packs lake views, mountain scenery and wildlife watching into one easygoing outing. Take the relaxed loop around Coot Lake, pause to look for birds and interesting plants, then continue toward Boulder Reservoir for even more open water and Front Range views. It is an easy place to slow down, bring the family and enjoy a little more Colorado sky.

Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.

Before You Go

Start at the Coot Lake Trailhead on 63rd Street and respect the wetlands, wildlife areas and any posted closures. Swimming and launching watercraft are not permitted at Coot Lake—boats, belly boats and rafts are prohibited. Dogs are welcome only under the posted area rules; keep them out of the wetlands and west side of the lake. If you continue into Boulder Reservoir’s gated facility, check current hours and entry fees before you go.

Wildlife at Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir

Coot Lake and Boulder Reservoir are excellent places to slow down and look for wildlife. The lake, wetlands and surrounding grasslands support waterfowl, raptors, herons, owls, rabbits, snakes and prairie dogs, while the cattail marshes at Coot Lake add plenty of birdwatching interest.

Keep an eye on the water and sky for osprey, herons and migrating birds. The area also provides habitat for species of concern, including American bitterns, northern harriers and burrowing owls—one more reason to bring binoculars and stay alert along the trail.

Please respect all fences, closures and posted wildlife areas, especially around the wetlands. Stay on designated paths, keep dogs out of restricted areas, never feed wildlife and give every animal plenty of room. City of Boulder: Boulder Reservoir Natural Lands & Wildlife

Wildlife in the Area

Osprey

Herons

American Bitterns

Northern Harriers

Waterfowl

Prairie Dogs

Rabbits

Snakes

General Information

Current Weather

Rattlesnake Gulch

11:27 am, Oct 10, 2026

76°F

clear sky

26 %

1004 mb

9 mph

Wind Gust: 16 mph

Clouds: 4%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 7:06 am

Sunset: 6:29 pm

Hourly Forecast

12:00 pm

73°/76°°F 0 mm 0% 2 mph 26% 1003 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 pm

75°/75°°F 0.2 mm 20% 6 mph 25% 1003 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 pm

70°/72°°F 0 mm 0% 3 mph 28% 1003 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 pm

64°/64°°F 0 mm 0% 10 mph 42% 1005 mb 0 mm/h

12:00 am

61°/61°°F 0 mm 0% 8 mph 50% 1005 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 am

57°/57°°F 0 mm 0% 8 mph 52% 1005 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 am

58°/58°°F 0 mm 0% 4 mph 50% 1005 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 am

65°/65°°F 0 mm 0% 3 mph 50% 1007 mb 0 mm/h

Best Times to Hike

Quieter Times: Weekday mornings are a great choice for a calmer walk, cooler temperatures and more time to watch the lake. Spring mornings can be especially rewarding for migrating waterfowl, while fall brings crisp air, changing colors and beautiful mountain backdrops.

Busier Times: Pleasant weekend afternoons, especially in spring, summer and fall, bring more walkers, joggers, anglers, dog owners and families to Coot Lake. If you plan to continue into Boulder Reservoir’s gated facility, check its current seasonal hours and entry requirements before you arrive.

Fred’s Tip: There is little shade along most of this open trail, so bring water, sunscreen and a hat. Keep an eye on changing weather, especially afternoon storm clouds, and respect all wetland fencing and wildlife closures along the way.

Fred’s Footprint Rating

4.6 Out of 5

Great views, nicely maintained!

Good For

Easy Walks Family Outings Lake Views Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Fishing Picnics Nature Play Dog Walks Photography

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Fred’s Photo Gallery

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Fred’s Trail Gear Picks

Magnifying Glass

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Picnic Blanket

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Yeti Water Bottle

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Toddler Backpack

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kids Sun Hat

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Water Shoes

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Bug Catcher Kit

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Binoculars

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Your Explorin’ Journal

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Official Trail Map

Plan your hike using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), the official statewide trail map from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado DNR. View the Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir routes, elevation profile, trail details, weather and downloadable GPX information. View Coot Lake on COTREX → View Boulder Reservoir on COTREX →

Map & Directions

6247 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80503

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Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir Trail

Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir

Why You’ll Love This Hike

Before You Go

Wildlife at Coot Lake & Boulder Reservoir

General Information

Current Weather

Best Times to Hike

Fred’s Footprint Rating

Good For

SHARE THIS ADVENTURE

Fred’s Photo Gallery

Double-tap a photo for a slideshow with a description. Mouse over the photo for a description

AMENITIES

SIGNS

COOT LAKE

BOULDER RESERVOIR

COOL PLANTS

DRIVE BACK TO ELDORADO CANYON

Fred’s Trail Gear Picks

Your Explorin’ Journal

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Official Trail Map

Map & Directions

6247 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80503

JOIN FRED’S CLUB AND GET YOUR FREE CERTIFICATE!